About Our Shelter...

The Animal Defense League was established in 1934 by a group of individuals, “for the prevention of cruelty to animals; to promote kind and humane treatment of animals; and to aid and assist the enforcement of laws enacted for the prevention of animal cruelty.”

ADL began with just a few makeshift chicken-wire cages in response to a need to shelter stray and injured dogs and cats in the San Antonio area. Along with providing basic shelter and care, emphasis has always been placed on adopting animals to homes where they will receive loving care and attention for the rest of their lives.

In 1961, ADL moved to its present location in the easily accessible northeast part of San Antonio. Its campus encompasses more than 12 acres and includes a two-acre pet park. On the property is an Adoption Center with a small retail store, and a separate 5,000 square-foot Clinic which houses our veterinary hospital that provides onsite spay/neuter surgery, surgery for injured and ill animals, and ongoing medical care for all ADL resident animals.

In 2004, a new kennel was built to house dogs. In 2007, two kennels built in 1963 were razed to open space for more play areas. The next area of focus will be updating the cattery.

Come Meet Our Pets...

Please use our website at www.adltexas.org to learn about the wonderful dogs and cats who might be the perfect pet companions you’ve been looking for. Visit all of our adorable ADL residents online in our Pet Personals section, then come out to visit them at our at 12-plus acre campus in near-northeast San Antonio, Texas.

Our Adoption Process...

All of the companion animals adopted from ADL are spayed/neutered, current on their vaccinations and microchipped (for identification, if lost). Dogs are also current on heartworm medication.

Puppies under 4 months of age may be adopted for a fee of $150.

Dogs 4 months of age or older may be adopted for a fee of $60.

Kittens under 4 months of age may be adopted for a fee of $70.

Cats 4 months of age or older may be adopted for a fee of $35.

Pet insurance for one month is provided by ADL through a third party free of charge.

Sign in at our Adoption Office.

Visit our kennels and cattery to meet our animals.

Find the animal that you might feel is the right match for you. An Animal Care Specialist will assist you with getting the animal out of the kennel. You should plan at least 20 minutes with the dog you are interested in.

If you already have a dog, you must bring her on a leash with you to see how she gets along with your potential new family member. We have found it to be far less stressful for animals to meet on neutral territory. For safety reasons, please ensure that your dog is wearing her current rabies tag.

Ask the Animal Care Specialist for a holding slip. Take the holding slip to the Adoption Center. Complete an application. Speak one-on-one with an ADL Adoption Counselor. Complete the paperwork.

Humane America Animal Foundation, dba Adopt-a-Pet.com, is a non-profit, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) adoption advertising charity. Our mission (and passion) is to help
get homeless pets out of the shelters and into loving homes. Let us know what you think! Suggestion & Comment Box

Enter the characters from the code below:Oops!If you can't read the characters above, try your best, submit the form, and a new image will be generated.

I would like to receive the latest special deals, inspiring stories, great advice, and awesome videos via email and other marketing communications from Purina and its brands.** I certify I am 18 years of age or older and agree that Purina may use my information as described in the Privacy Policy and About Our Ads.

Yes, I would like to receive communications from the Petco Foundation and Petco regarding their lifesaving work and access to discounts on pet products and services.

Yes, I'd like to receive useful information about flea and tick prevention from PetBasics.com by Bayer, special offers, and coupons via e-mail.

Thank You!Your message has been sent to Animal Defense League of Texas.

You'll receive a copy, too, at
to help you keep track of which pets you've inquired about, and which shelters and rescues you've emailed.

NOTE: Some shelters have physical locations you can visit; some of these shelters may only have pets for a limited time, so please do not wait for a reply—just go visit the shelter!
Other organizations are rescue groups run by busy volunteers who may take a while to reply. You can find information about the shelter or rescue group caring for this pet, and their adoption procedures,
on the pet's details page on Adopt-a-Pet.com.